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Are you brave enough to let Jesus nap?

April 19, 2018

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I think Jesus must have been a deep sleeper. There is no way I would have been able to sleep through a storm, being thrown around in a boat! Or, maybe Jesus was so exhausted that He had one of those comatose-dribble-style naps? I can definitely relate to that, please tell me I’m not alone!

I’m sure you know the story I am referring to here. Jesus and the disciples were in a boat and Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly they are caught in a huge storm, and in their panic they wake Jesus up, urging Him to save them. Jesus asks them why they have such little faith, then rebukes the wind and the waves and – BAM! – calm resumes (and hopefully Jesus got to finish His nap!) (See Matthew 8:23-26 for the full story).

What always gets me in this story is Jesus’ reply, “Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith?” (Summary mine).

Do you know what this tells me? It tells me that Jesus has given us the authority to tell the wind and waves to obey! In His Name we can rebuke the storms in our lives, we can speak into the chaos and demand order, we can speak peace over the crashing waves. We just need faith, and to believe that because Jesus is in us, we have the same power that he had. Pretty awesome, isn’t it!?

So what does it look like, to speak to the wind and waves? Personally, I think it means declaring God’s Word in hard situations, speaking His truth, refusing to accept that the storm will engulf us, declaring in faith that His peace will reign. Basically, to keep our eyes and minds fixed on God, no matter how crazy life gets.

This reminds me of Peter, walking on the water towards Jesus (see Matthew 14, 29-31). The second he took his eyes off Jesus he started to sink. And he really should have learnt his lesson as the previous storm encounter I’m writing about only happened six chapters prior! Although, I’m not sure how brave I would have been surrounded by 15-foot waves! (It’s kind of reassuring to know the disciples were human just like the rest of us!)

Next time you feel like you are going under, or the next wave will break you, remember that Jesus is inside of you. Speak in boldness, in faith, focus on Jesus and be ready to embrace His peace.

But, do you know what? I also believe that there are times when we are too tired and weary, too broken to even try, too weak to even muster a word – and that’s ok. Jesus is in your boat, and when we aren’t strong enough, or when faith fails us, He will take over. He loves to see us grow and step out in boldness, but He also understands when He needs to hold our hand.

Either way, it’s a win-win! The storm will never have us! You will get through it!

I love this line in a current worship song, “So let go, my soul, and trust in Him – the waves and wind still know His name” They sure do, let’s never forget just how powerful His wonderful Name is!